The Northern Network Newsletter

For Self Managers of the Direct Funding Program

Ads that Work

Advertising tips to help you attract new employees

• Create your wish list – Before you discuss the look of an ad, take the time to determine job requirements, compensation levels, and the experience you require from a new attendant. This information will be the foundation of your job posting, and will also help you develop a checklist for grading candidates.
• Identify the best medium for your message – When selecting a publication, newsletter or Web site to distribute your ad, be sure it’s reaching the people you want to attract. Advertising through HRDC job bank is also a good way to advertise.
• Make an offer they can’t refuse – The written copy in a recruiting ad should tell attendants why they would want this job in the first place. Example: Work with your employer one on one, in a more personal setting (NO Third Party Agencies).
• Don’t display long headlines in capital letters – A phrase like “WE’RE LOOKING FOR DRIVER’S WHO WANT TO SPEND…” is simply difficult to read when it’s only listed in capital letters. Keep an ad’s text in upper and lower case.
• Help them find you – Ensure that every advertisement includes a direct way to contact you, by telephone, e-mail and fax. It’s not recommended to disclose your address.
• Track the results – Ask the interested candidates to mention how they heard about the opening.
• Acknowledge applicants – If someone has taken the time to apply for the job, be sure to acknowledge that you have received their application. Someone who isn’t qualified for an existing position may still become a future employee.

Ontario Disability Support Program And Fire Insurance Policies

If you are a recipient of ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) and live in an apartment that is less than your shelter entitlement, you may qualify to have your fire insurance paid by ODSP, but there must be funds available in your shelter entitlement to qualify.

e.g. If you are a single person, your entitlement for shelter is $427.00. If you have a family, your entitlement for shelter is $730.00. If your rent is only $300.00 per month (single person), the difference could be allocated to a fire insurance policy. Please confirm if you qualify with your local ODSP office.

Can a Self Manager employer/employee contract be modified?

Yes, but please keep in mind…

• A lot of time was invested in revising this agreement to reflect recent changes in the Ministry of Labour – ESA.
• Many of those changes are there to protect the employer and employee.
• Areas where an initial is required are important in following legislation and is mandatory to have as part of an employment agreement in verifying that the employer follows the Act. The way it is laid out is similar to the ESA and quotes, where necessary, excerpts of the Act.
• We used to have another one, very simple but incomplete in many areas when compared with the new regulations. This means that if used, there will be a need to sign separate agreements in what respects to vacation pay, statutory holidays, etc.
• It is recommended that the Self Managers use the new agreement that contains all the necessary clauses and protects both the employer and the employee. This also shows that this is a serious employer providing security to the employee.
• If you would like a copy of the contract, call Patricia.

Training new Attendants

You have to hire some new attendant workers. They need training. You’ve scheduled your new attendants to work with your existing attendants to receive some training. You are required to pay the new attendants for any training received. If you choose to offer the new attendant a reduced wage for the training, that is acceptable, however, they must receive at least minimum wage and you must ensure that the new attendants are completely aware of this arrangement and have agreed to it.

To ensure there is no misunderstandings, draft up a contract with the new attendant, where it clearly states what the training will encompass, how long the training will last and the wage that will be paid for training. Make sure you and the attendant date and sign the contract.

Hiring a new Attendant?

Here's some questions to consider!

• Do you like to help people?
• Do you want to make a difference in someone’s life?
• Do you want your job to have a purpose?
• Would you like a job where you can give it your all and feel really good at the end of your shift?

These kinds of questions can really give an employer some additional insights to the character & personality of an attendant.

WSIB and Liability Insurance

Currently, Direct Funding requires that all Self Managers have WSIB coverage and 2 million dollars of liability insurance. Some Self-Managers have asked…”Is this not a duplication?”

While WSIB will cover the worker for wages, if the worker’s injury occurs as a result of neglect on the part of the homeowner, the worker may be able to sue the owner for that same injury.

The liability Insurance on the other hand protects the employer/operation. e.g. If an item is left on the floor out of negligence and a Self Manager hurts himself/herself the liability insurance would cover court cost….see your insurance policy for more details.

Who's doing what?

We thought it would help if the Self Managers knew what our roles are through the Direct Funding program so you would know whom to direct your questions to.

Patricia Simone is the Direct Funding Support person. She is responsible to advertise the Direct Funding program in the districts of Cochrane, Algoma and Temiskaming, advising new applicants about the program, the eligibility requirements, and how to complete an application. Patricia will meet with new applicants and will assist in the interview process to determine eligibility. Patricia is also to provide information and support to the Self Managers on Direct Funding, i.e.: questions about labor laws, how to place an ad for an attendant, what duties are the attendants permitted to perform, etc.

Amy Degrace is Direct Funding Administrator. She receives and reviews the quarterly reports from Self Managers on Direct Funding in the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Temiskaming, Kenora, Rainy River, Thunder Bay, Sudbury and Manitoulin. Amy corresponds with Self Managers in regards to their funds, bank account deposits, bank statements, and compliance with the financial aspects of Direct Funding.

Disability Resource Centre for Independent Living
29 Byng Ave, Suite #5 & 6
Kapuskasing, Ontario, P5N 1W6
Tel: 705-335-8778 Fax: 705-335-5666

Cash those Cheques!

Please advise your attendants the importance of cashing their cheques. Truth be told that it is a bookkeepers’ nightmare when employees do not cash their cheques. It makes it very difficult for them to balance the statements and do a month end balance. Please advise your attendants not to hold on to their pay cheques and to cash them right away.

Increase in minimum wage

The general minimum wage will be raised to $7.75 per hour on February 1st, 2006, and there will be a further increase to $8.00 per hour on February 1st, 2007.